Concern over Orhionmwon Local Govt

Orhionmwon is the largest local government area in Edo South Senatorial district. It was created during the days of the defunct Bendel State and Uhunmwode local government was cut out it in 1991. It houses the largest gas deposit in Nigeria, if not West Africa. Besides abundance of mineral resources, there is the Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation and Factory and Sokponba Resort, among others.

The sad story of Orhionmwon, despite sitting on abundant wealth, is that of neglect as it is one of the least developed local governments in Edo State. There are no banks operating in Orhionmwon. Its headquarters, Abudu, is more of a ‘hamlet’ while Urhonigbe, which is perhaps the biggest town after Benin City, lacked economic life. Residents of Urhonigbe do their banking activities at Agbor or Eku in Delta State. Community banks operating in some villages, such as Ugo and Okogbo, have since closed shops.